Culdesac in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Culdesac

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Culdesac Marker support

The marker is currently missing.

Inscription. In 1863 this area was a “Shebeen” (outlaw headquarters) and murder and robbery of travelers were common place. This valley was on the main and original Nez Perce Trail leading into Montana through Elk City. Homesteaders moved into the fertile valley and by 1900 two towns were growing. One called Culdesac located at the end of the railroad terminal and the other at the east end of the valley called Mellen. The citizens of both towns applied for a post office under the one name of Cul-de-sac. The post office was granted, but the department suggested the people adopt the name Magnolia. This stood until through a citizens petition the post office was renamed Culdesac. In 1903 the towns consolidated and adopted the name Culdesac. With a population of 400 the town grew rapidly, boasting all of the businesses of a larger town. A number of fires over the years burned out complete town blocks and greatly damaged growth. However, a school, businesses and homes have been re-built, and farming is now the chief industry.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

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In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 46° 22.446′ N, 116° 40.218′ W. Marker is in Culdesac, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. It is on Main Street near Watson Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 714 Highway Access 2, Culdesac ID 83524, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle

and in the Palouse.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

specifically in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Joseph's Mission (approx. 2.6 miles away); Railroad Tunnels (approx. 4½ miles away); Craig Donation Claim (approx. 4.9 miles away); William Craig (approx. 4.9 miles away); Lapwai Mission (approx. 7 miles away); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (approx. 8.6 miles away); Watson's Store (approx. 8.6

Culdesac Marker, copied from a book on Culdesac's city history. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathleen Palmer

2. Culdesac Marker, copied from a book on Culdesac's city history.

miles away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (approx. 8.7 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is currently missing; probably it is being repaired. The marker is located in the 'park' opposite the City Library.

Also see . . . Culdesac, Idaho -- Nez Perce County Historical Society. Charles S. Mellon, president of the Northern Pacific RR, gave the name Cul-de-sac to the small community. He was supposedly traveling the proposed route and remarked that this is indeed a cul-de-sac, a French term which can be roughly translated “blind alley,” “the bottom of the bag,” or a place with only one outlet.” (Submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Culdesac, circa 1903 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Unknown

3. Culdesac, circa 1903

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.